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Ocala police investigate deadly shooting that killed 1, injured 2
A 23-year-old man was killed, and two others were seriously injured in a shooting Sunday afternoon in Ocala, police said, as investigators continue working to determine what led to the violence.
OCALA, Fla. - A 23-year-old man was killed, and two others were seriously injured in a shooting Sunday afternoon in Ocala, police said, as investigators continue working to determine what led to the violence.
1 dead, 2 hurt in shooting in Ocala, police say
What we know:
The shooting was reported around 2 p.m. near Northwest 12th Avenue. Officers found two men at the scene.
One, later identified as Tedarrium Deas Jr., was pronounced dead. A second man, 18, was taken to a hospital with serious injuries.
Tedarrium Deas Jr., was pronounced dead following a shooting in Ocala on Sept. 13, 2026.
A third man, 31, later arrived at a hospital with gunshot wounds and was also listed in serious condition, according to the Ocala Police Department.
Rifle found near shooting scene; car crash under investigation
Dig deeper:
Police said they have not determined what sparked the shooting and have not announced any arrests or identified any suspects.
"As of right now, we don't know what led up to it. It's still being investigated," Ocala police spokesperson Jeff Walczak said.
Investigators recovered a rifle a few blocks from the shooting scene. Minutes after the gunfire, a vehicle crashed near Southwest Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and State Road 200. Police believe the people involved in the shooting may also have been involved in that crash.
"We believe the people involved in the shooting were also involved in that crash," Walczak said.
Authorities have not said what role, if any, the rifle or the crash played in the shooting.
What we don't know:
The name of the person who died has not been released. We also do not know the circumstances that led to the shooting, the relationship, if any, between the three people, nor the connection, if any, to the vehicle crash.
Neighbors mourn victim
What they're saying:
The shooting has left neighbors shaken.
"I thought it was firecrackers when I came out," neighbor Kaali Chappelle said.
Chappelle, who lives across the street from where the shooting occurred, said she had not slept in the nearly 24 hours since the violence erupted.
"I don't know what happened, but we've lost a very special young man that could have made a difference in this world," she said.
She described Deas, whom many knew as "Teddy," as kind, respectful and hardworking.
"He was going places. He wanted something in life, and you could tell," Chappelle said.
Family remembers 'a huge heart'
Deas' family declined an on-camera interview but released a statement remembering him as a compassionate young man who cared deeply for others.
"Tedarrium Deas Jr. was a loving young man with a huge heart and a deeply empathetic spirit," the family said. "He worked with the elderly in the dietary and nutrition department, where his caring nature truly shined. In his spare time, he loved to rap and dreamed of becoming a successful artist. He will always be remembered for his kindness, creativity, and the love he shared with others."
What you can do:
Police continue to investigate the shooting and have asked anyone with information to contact the Ocala Police Department or Crime Stoppers.
The Source: This story uses information from the Ocala Police Department, which posted updates on the shooting and crash investigation on its Facebook page. Additional information from FOX 35 crews who responded to the scene.